With the all new G29 Z4 debut set to debut later this year, prototypes are no longer being shy, which gives us this best and closest look yet at the next Z4, spotted here next to the upcoming G20 3 Series and Toyota Supra.

 Three engines (EU-only 195hp 20i, 255hp 30i, and 335hp 40i - and this means the 380hp Z4 M40i will be offered only by BMW and only in North America and a few other non-EU markets).
 Intro later this year, common sense suggests it will be simultaneous with Z4.
 It will be Toyota in name and body design only - everything inside the car is the same familiar BMW stuff: same options, same colors, same interior materials.
 Speaking of colors, it feels almost like a throwback to the 00s: Glacier Silver, Atacama Yellow, and Crimson Red are coming back, though there'll also be a new matte gray.
 For the interior, you'll be able to choose between fabric, alcantara, and leather, and (the gods have heard us!) all of these choices will be available in the U.S.
 Wheels: 17" standard with 18" and 19" optional on 20i and 30i, 18" standard and 19" optional on 40i.
 40i gets standard M sport diff, while on 30i it will be optional in something that BMW would call "ZMP".
 Market positioning for the car seems to be distinctly lower than BMW, for example, the barebones 30i will have manual seat adjustments and no nav system.
 And, finally (que the sad trombone): all models are automatic only.

The Z4 finally reveals its production-bound lights! Both the headlights and tail lights stay reasonably faithful to the lights seen on the Z4 Concept. The tail lights especially are very future looking as a mix of Z4 Concept and i8 tail lights.

BMW Z4 Reveals Production Lights

Update: August 31, 2017

Update: July 31, 2017

Shortly ahead of its concept reveal, here is a rare look at the G29 Z4 with its top-down.

BMW Z4 With Top Down

Update: July 18, 2017

The latest G29 Z4 prototype spotted today testing on the Nurburgring is now wearing less camouflage than ever, revealing much of its front end design and shape.

BMW G29 Z4 Prototype Drops Some Camouflage

Update: May 23, 2017

We now have the best look ever at the G29 Z4 interior, showing manual transmission (yay!), large screen and slick all digital gauges. This model happens to reveal its model and power output. It's an s20i powered by the B48 engine, outputting 195hp / 236 lb-ft.

BMW Z4 s20i spied at Nurburgring

Update: March 31, 2017

The G29 Z4 prototype takes to the Nurburgring, this time wearing four cannards on the front bumper. While canards are doubtful for a regular Z4 version, but perhaps a preview of what we may see on a Z4 M?

Update: February 20, 2017

BMW test drivers decided to take advantage of a balmy -14 C Swedish winter day and finally give us a look at the Z4 convertible with its soft top down.

BMW Z5 Top Down

Update: January 23, 2017

The Z4 hits the snow for cold climate testing, showing the same tail light design as seen in the previously spied prototype from the German Autobahn.

BMW Z5 Winter Testing

Update: December 30, 2016

Z4 prototype sightings have been scarce in recent months, but a more revealing prototype was just spotted on the German Autobahn. The rear has dropped some camouflage, exposing the tail light design for the first time. Finished exhaust tips can now also be seen, along with a rear diffuser. Compared to earlier prototypes, this one likely sports a larger air vent behind the front wheels as the camouflage covering it now flares out dramatically.

One oddity is that this prototype is RHD.

Update: September 20, 2016

Testing for the BMW Z4 has advanced to the Nurburgring! The prototype also now appears to either wear a subtle trunk spoiler or have a slightly raised / curved trunk lid, as well as wheels very similar to the M3/M4 Competition wheels (Style 666M). We also get a first decent look at the new Z4 interior.

BMW Z5 Hits the Nurburgring

Update: June 30, 2016

The BMW Z5 prototype has been spotted again, this time in more revealing form. These latest spy shots reveal for the first time the rear window in the soft top, which earlier prototypes did not show. Some front shots also gives a peek at the front grille design underneath the camouflage.

From yesterday's post about the G29 Z4, with info on the Z4 from BMW insider Scott26:

Quote:

The best thing about BMW Z5 is that it so well disguised that there are virtually no clues to how it will actually appear.

But close up photography shows such details to reflect its now intentions. Such as very low nose and wide kidney grille.

But yes Z5 will be a serious sports car. It will have a Carbon content that will shame high end sports cars as well as a weight advantage. Hence why a soft top roof has now been adapted.
A benefit of pooling resources between BMW and Toyota in which costs shared over materials allows increased implementation.
The car exercises a very light and minimalistic cockpit, important for a sports car but still current with modern technology and luxuries.

Of course as for this car engines will be familiar,but the outputs will be exclusive and a manual will be available for the more enthusiastic driver. The Z5 will receive a four cylinder and a six cylinder but the output will be exclusive to this model. Therefore retaining the lightweight philosophy but for high performance. That is what the new Z cars will offer.

Z5 M Version?

Z5 is an unknown quantity as its being placed a little higher than the current car, mainly against the Jaguar F-Type. So it is a full relaunch of a new model aimed at enticing more Sports car owners from the more accessible Z4. That is why there is an advanced programme of development with Toyota on the new car as both companies can pool resources on one car. BMW see the relaunch of the Z series similar to the BMWi cars with a new genre of sports cars using a lightweight philosophy although aimed at performance rather than sustainability. Should the car initially be successful? Then we will see progress.

BMW Z5 Prototype Drops Some Camo

Original Post

We give you a first look at the long rumored G29 Z4, successor to the current Z4.

The Z4 is supposed to spearhead a revival of the Z model lineup which will feature more dynamically impressive and exciting roadsters. The return to a soft-top as seen on this prototype represents a focus on lighter weight, which in addition to the car's mix of lightweight composite construction, should see the Z5 come in at a lighter weight and provide better performance than the Z4.

The future Z lineup is rumored to also including a Z3 and a Z1 roadster. The Z3 will share the Z4's modular RWD platform and the Z1 will be based on BMW's UKL FWD/AWD platform.

Hard to tell anything at this stage, but im glad they are finally working on it.

I dont know if i like the turn back to fabric roof..i understand the benefits of it but i liked the versatility that the current one gives. Maybe a carbon roof on the Z8? Are there even plans for a Z8? How about a Z5 M? We can dream right.

Wow, surprising. I'm excited for these new models. So will the Z4 be replaced by the Z3 and act as a MB SLC competitor and the Z5 act as a new model and compete against the SL and the Jag F type? I would surely hope so, would be great IMO.

Why devote resources to this thing? Looks visually heavy. Didn't they only sell 1,800 Z4s in the US for 2015 and probably not more worldwide.

Come again? Thats the only true sportscar BMW has plans to make that we know of.

The current Z4 is heavy and too expensive. Thats the reason why it didnt sell well. Look at the boxster. Was you expecting a X6 convertible or something? As if BMW isnt allocating resources in enough useless GT crap already.